03-18-08: Les_creative_edgeSince I've had an SL1210 M5G (which comes from the factory with upgraded wire) first without, and then with the KAB fluid damper, I'd have to say that based on your comparisons with the RB250, once the fluid damper is added, I'd conclude that the Technics arm is better than the RB250. Honestly, I don't see how it *couldn't* be--it's so smooth and detailed, yet dynamic (provided you get the fluid level just right). Plus, with the Sumiko shell, you can correct for azimuth, and the tonearm's double gimbal pivot will keep it there.
Having owned a Rega RB-250 arm and now owning a SL-1200MKII with Cardas rewire done by KAB I will say I find little to no quality difference in overall performance between an SL-12xxMKII arm and the RB-250 in fact with the Cardas rewire I suggest my SL-120MKII arm performs better.
Technics 1210/RB-250 vs. stock arm + fluid damper
I'm in the market for a new (used) turntable, and I'd like to try a Technics 1200 variant. I have the opportunity to buy a used SL-1210 with Rega RB-250 arm & armboard at a reasonable price. An alternative would be a used SL-1210 with the stock arm, and adding the KAB fluid damper. (I assume that the fluid damper does not fit the Rega arm, both literally and figuratively). I plan on using an Audio-Technica AT440MLa cartridge that I recently bought for my outgoing table.
In theory, the Rega arm is better than the stock Technics arm. But does this automatically hold true on this TT? And what about the addition of the damper? Does anyone have any ears-on experience? Your true-life experience or wild, theoretical prognostication is requested.
In theory, the Rega arm is better than the stock Technics arm. But does this automatically hold true on this TT? And what about the addition of the damper? Does anyone have any ears-on experience? Your true-life experience or wild, theoretical prognostication is requested.